Although I am a serious Eco-novice in this area, I am trying to keep an eye on my waste and to take small steps from disposable to reusable whenever possible.

One recent success: take-out food containers. We eat out very very little around here, but we do have our little indulgences. My husband and son sometimes go on little Jamba Juice outings together. I was feeling pretty sad about those styrofoam cups, plastic lids and straws that ended up in the recycling bin each time, so I bought a large plastic cup for my husband (he doesn't need a lid) and some cheap-y plastic cups with lids and straws for the kiddos at Target, and stashed them in the car for their next trip. I already checked with the Jamba staff, and they are totally cool with filling up your own container.

Also, my husband and I sometimes go out to Baskin Robbins together. It's our special treat. Last time before leaving the house, I grabbed a couple plastic IKEA bowls and spoons to take with us. The BR staff person wasn't sure it was kosher, so she checked with the manager, who OKed it. Yea! Of course, my husband got a sample, so there was that little plastic spoon that went in the trash. But I'm feeling pretty good about my waste reduction efforts this week.

From plastic produce bags to reusable fabric produce bags or no produce bag (for apples, oranges, bananas, and other produce that does not need to be stored in plastic, I just put the food right in my cart or into my reusable shopping bag).

My biggest reusable triumph lately was to replace wrapping paper with fabric this last Christmas. I wasn't sure if the kids would be disappointed--you know how it's kind of fun to tear wrapping paper?--but if they were, they didn't say anything about it. I think they were just excited about the presents. Oh, I also got glass storage containers to replace my tupperware. They're working great so far.

How about reusable bathroom toilet fabric? Instead of using toilet paper use a square cloth? I started a challenge last year and it was amazing. No more cutting tree's to wipe on my butt! Well you get the idea. It also saves me a ton of money. I have 4 daughters so you can imagine.....Check it out. It's free to do just find a old flannel sheet.http://hannaqueen.blogspot.com/2010/01/clothe-wipe-challenge.html

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